Research In Motion’s Blackberry PlayBook is the next big launch in the tablet space and could definitely be a hot commodity at least among users who already flaunt a Blackberry. At the Web 2.0 summit yesterday, RIM Co-CEO Jim Balsillie noted about a new module cavity in the device that could be used to pack additional features for WWAN and NFC in the near future. In fact, Balsillie went so far to suggest that “we’d be fools not to have it in the near-term, and we are not fools. ”

So while the anticipation stays high for this upcoming tablet computer, folks at Engadget have managed to get hold of a nice and short video demonstration of the PlayBook in action. The tablet comes across as pretty responsive and seamless which is a great platform to watch videos or surf the web. Check out the video below and let us know what you think.

Research in Motion has announced that the company has removed the popular Kik messenger from the App World following a number of issues withthe application. In a statement, the company said,

“RIM became aware of a number of issues and customer concerns regarding the Kik app and service and, following discussions with Kik, the app was removed from BlackBerry App World. RIM is actively reviewing the issues and potential resolutions, and is also continuing its discussions with Kik.”

There is no word on the potential cause for the removal. While it is possible that RIM sees the Kik messenger as a threat to their own Blackberry Messenger, it is also possible that the Waterloo based company sees Kik’s contact farming strategy a bit on the grey side. Anyway, we hear that the two companies are still talking and so a resolution should be offered soon enough.

Blackberry Torch is a good piece of gadget. The phone comes with a 3.2″ WVGA touchscreen with 480×360 pixel resolution, a 512MB internal flash memory with 4GB storage, a 5-Megapixel camera and runs on the new Blackberry OS 6. However, Research in Motion does not seem to have sold too many handsets. You will remember that in mid-August this year, Amazon announced a major drop in prices selling the phone at $99 instead of the regular $199 price point. Now, three months later, network carrier AT&T too has announced a similar price drop.

Starting now, Blackberry Torch will be available for $99.99 at the AT&T stores. While this is indicative of the lackluster performance of the Blackberry model, this is in no way an indication of the model being a flop. It is worth noting that the holiday shopping season is just around the corner and AT&T would be pretty keen to stock the best of gadgets during this period to maximize their sales. It is then logical that the company is looking at emptying its stocks of Blackberry Torch well on time to begin the sale of these new gadgets

Research In Motion’s venture into the tablet segment must happen sometime in early 2011. While we have all the details with respect to the features (click here to check out all our earlier PlayBook articles), one thing that is not known as yet is the price. In September, analyst John Jackson from CCS Insight speculated the price of PlayBook to be in the range of $300-$350. While it was merely his own speculation, the general consensus was that RIM might play aggressive and could be offering the device at a low cost.

That is confirmed now. In an interview to a Korean newspaper, RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie has assured that the device will be available in the US market at a price of below $500. Now that may be too broad a price range. But at least, we now know that the PlayBook might not launch at exorbitant prices a la Galaxy Tab.

Talking about specs, this is a flip phone and so if you are a fan of this model, read on. It comes with the usual 624MHz processor but with a larger 512MB RAM and a 5-Megapixel camera. The phone has the characteristic QWERTY keyboard and runs on Blackberry OS 6. Storage is not huge with only an 8GB memory card. Other features include GPS, Wi-Fi and support for Open GL for 3D graphics.

Mike Lazaridis, the co-CEO of Research in Motionannounced on stage during the AdobeMAX developer conference that developers who build apps for the AppWorld platform now get “eligible” to win a free Blackberry PlayBook – yes, the tablet device that is releasing shortly. Now, this was an one off comment and we are still unsure if this means every developer who builds an app over the next few days stands to win a PlayBook or if this is for a selected few from this list. Sure, there is no information about this on the AppWorld developer website.

Either way, this is the best time for app developers to jump into the AppWorld platform. The registration and submission fee for getting accepted are waived at this point in time and those of you who manage to get in now at least save on the $200 entry fee with which you can buy a PlayBook for yourself.

Last month Research In Motion unveiled their new tablet computer, named the PlayBook. Now though the device has not been launched as yet, there is a pretty high anticipation for the device that is expected to be priced under $350.

Now as RIM gets ready for the final launch, we are seeing minor progress on all the other aspects that go with the launch. The company has now released a beta version SDK of the Blackberry PlayBook that will let developers build applications using Adobe AIR. The release also includes a simulator for the developers to build the application from the Windows and Mac platforms.

On the product download page, RIM has also indicated that the support for app development using Adobe Flash and HTML 5 are on their way. Eager to check it out. Hit this link to download a copy to your computer.

According to the press release from Sprint, the phone will be priced at $99.99 after a mail-in rebate and along with a 2 year contract. Blackberry Style 9670 shall be available in just two colors – Steel Gray and Royal Purple to begin with.

And the launch? The statement notes that the new Blackberry Style 9670 should be available starting October 31st. Of course you can reserve a unit right away at the Sprint website. In that case, hit this link to go ahead and make your pre-order.

If you are a Blackberry user from North America, you should notice an update to the BIS on your berry. RIM has rolled out the latest version 3.2 of Blackberry Internet Services to users in this part of the world that will bring a number of enhancements to the internet services. This includes updated password criteria and automatic login systems, Google Calendar syncing and an option to show passwords. The new criteria for setting up passwords include,

Must include 8 to 16 characters

Must include at least one letter and one number

Cannot include the word “password”

Cannot include the user name of the BlackBerry Internet Service account or BlackBerry email address that the password is associated with

If you are from other parts of the world including Europe, Asia and Africa, you should have already received this update and so nothing to see here for the moment.

You can keep your Blackberry secure by locking down the entire device. But if that is alone not enough, the AppLock Blackberry app will come of help. This is not exactly a new application but is a pretty useful tool in order to let users set passwords for specific applications or even to password protect email messages and other folders on your Blackberry. The AppLock application also works with folders on your phone’s SD card. Here is a rundown on the features

Lock any number of applications you want.

Lock Native as well as 3rd Party applications.

Lock whole Messages app or Emails from specific persons only.

Protect selected media folders on your SD Card.

Intelligent Operation – Auto Lock on BackLight Off & Phone Lock.

Constant Protection for maximum security.

Supported on all OS 4.2.1 and above.

The AppLock application retails at a price of $2.99 from the Blackberry AppWorld though the app is presently available at a discounted price of $0.99. You can check out the app by clicking here.